§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that the relevant local highway authorities are invited to submit proposals to undertake the work carried out by consultants on the maintenance and management of trunk roads and motorways in a form which can be compared with bids from the private sector.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleIt is our policy in selecting maintenance agents to ensure that we secure maximum value for money in terms of the quality and efficiency of the services provided. In making arrangements for the replacement in due course of existing consultants' commissions we are committed to evaluating the quality 373W and cost of the services available from local authorities and private sector consultants. The form and timing of this evaluation is still being considered.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will carry out an assessment of the performance of consultants carrying out agency responsibilities for the maintenance and management of trunk roads and motorways in comparison with local authority agents; if he will consult the local authority associations on the basis of the comparison; and if he will publish the results.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleAll consultants employed by the Department as maintenance agents are subject to performance assessment. My officials have agreed performance indicators with representatives of the local authority associations, which will facilitate comparisons of performance by different agents, and. these are now being used on a trial basis to assess the 1992–93 performance of a number of agents throughout the country. Any decision on publication of the results of comparisons will be taken in consultation with the local authority associations when the results are available.